HOW CAN THIS BE?!

I have a savage model 12 BVSS in 22-250 caliber the gun is the same now as it came from the factory. trigger is set at 1.5 lbs i can shoot .5-.75 at 100yrds ALL DAY LONG with factory loaded hornady 55gr v-max, but when i shoot out to 250 yrds the groups open up to 3-3 1/2 inches...what is the problem? bullets, gun, or me? the scope is currently a nikon 3-9x40 i have a mueller 8.5-25x44 on the way im hoping the higher magnification will help some...any advice or info will be greatly appreciated..thanks

First, a scope with enough magnification that allows you to CLEARLY see your point of aim is required. Also, .5" groups at 100 at yards does not mean those same loads will shoot 1.5" at 300 yards. It is not uncommon for the best 300 yard group to be a middle of the pack group at 100 yards. You will need to work up loads for 250 yards.

Without knowing your shooting ability I would likely say it's you, especially when the difference is so great.

What magnification is your scope?
What's your shooting setup? (bipod? bags? mechanical rest?)

One thing to note is that the 55gr V-Max is a flat-base bullet which typically provide the best accuracy at shorter distances but generally do well out to 200 yards or so (lots of variables). Boattail bullets typically won't group as well at short distances as they can take longer to fully stabilize, but provide better accuracy at greater distances.

VMax = varmint bullet.....not a target bullet.

They are designed to come apart, therefore, thin jackets.

3-3.5" groups at 250 is just a little over MOA...which is not bad.

Are you shooting on a bench with a rest??? ...and I mean a SOLID rest front and back????

And....if you play with the seating depth of VMax's, it can help quite a bit.

What are your "Standard Deviation" and "Extreme Spread" figures for the .5" loads? If the ES and SD is high, the loads usually won't perform well at the longer ranges.

As stated, a higher magnification scope and a GOOD front and rear rest are needed to shoot well at the longer ranges. Once you have a long range load developed, it's a good idea to run drop and wind drift tables out to the ranges your going to shoot and.............USE WIND FLAGS.

Another thing to consider is the scope is set to be parralax free @ 100-150 yards?

I agree with what has been stated. Not trying to put you down, just clarify.

1) MOST people I know, think a target is...(enter distance here) But don't use a wheel, or range finder. So is the distance really that??
2) Are YOU shooting with your carhartt under the front of the gun? Or is the gun benched/vised-up, so you are ONLY testing the gun??
3) Factory ammo, shooting about 1 moa at 250 yds, is quite exceptional. Factory ammo is built to be safe, and function in ANY gun on the planet, EVER chambered in that round. This is not conducive to great accuracy in any one particular gun.

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Originally Posted by CJ in WY

Another thing to consider is the scope is set to be parralax free @ 100-150 yards?

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This is a good point. Check your parrallex free, if not pull your head away from the scope. So you get that black ring around the edges of the scope. I'd go back as far as I could and still see what I'm aiming at. This cuts down on your field of view but it will also reduce your parrallex.

well after reading all the replys im narrowing it down to ammo mostly and me a little or so i like to think...just to make things a tad more clear i use a caldwell rock jr rest for the front and a chepo caldwell bag for the back...as stated the current scope is a nikon 3-9x40 but i have a mueller 8.5-25x44 on the way from midwayusa..i have been using factory loaded 55gr v-max ammo i dont reload but i have a friend that reloads for me from time to time he has 30 yrs experince in reloading but ive not ask for his services as of yet but soon i will....next i will try to find a good target round and try that ANY suggestions would be appreciated..thanks

RJ,

What's your twist? My 1in9" .223 loves the 75 grain A-Max. A great long range bullet loaded in Hornady TAP ammo I believe.

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Originally Posted by MrMajestic

RJ,

What's your twist? My 1in9" .223 loves the 75 grain A-Max. A great long range bullet loaded in Hornady TAP ammo I believe.

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the twist rate is 1in12" .22-250

Wind?

Terry

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Originally Posted by Terry Balding

Wind?

Terry

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just a pretty light wind nothing major

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Originally Posted by rangerjay

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Originally Posted by MrMajestic

RJ,

What's your twist? My 1in9" .223 loves the 75 grain A-Max. A great long range bullet loaded in Hornady TAP ammo I believe.

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the twist rate is 1in12" .22-250

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Dooh! Call Jim at NSS and order a Criterion 1in8" Ackley Improved barrel! :)